The Mermaid Day Parade is one of my favorite yearly events in New York. On the first Saturday of summer, people flock to Coney Island for this annual event that features a sea themed parade with people dressed as their favorite sea creatures. Click on the link above to see selection of pictures and you’ll know why it’s an event that should not be missed. The 2013 Mermaid Day Parade is in danger of being canceled due to rising costs. Enter Amanda Palmer. The performance artist, Kickstarter enthusiast and sometimes lead singer of Dresden Dolls rounded up some of her friends for a last minute show at New York’s Bowery Ballroom on May 25, 2013 to raise money to try and save the parade.

Amanda Palmer. Mermaid.

The show featured covers of songs like Janis Joplin’s “Mercedes Benz,” but with Mermaid Parade inspired lyrics. Amanda, who dressed as a mermaid, also brought out Brian Viglione of Dresden Dolls on stage for a few songs. The final song of the night was Amanda Palmer solo on her ukelele singing an ode to the instrument that I quite enjoyed.

On behalf of New York, thanks to Amanda Palmer and friends for donating their time and energy to help save this event. Their dedication is extremely inspiring! After the jump, see a classic “encounters with G” photo of Amanda Palmer taking a bite out of my face!

Amanda Palmer and Geoffrey Dicker

Thanks again Amanda for all the great music for putting on this show and for being super cool! Hope I tasted good!